NASA’s Internship Programs 2027 offer paid opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience while contributing to real-world projects in science, engineering, technology, aeronautics, and space exploration. Through its Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships and Pathways Internships, NASA provides students with practical training, mentorship from experienced professionals, and valuable career development opportunities.
Designed to prepare the next generation of innovators, NASA internships allow students to work alongside scientists, engineers, researchers, and other professionals who are advancing space exploration and scientific discovery. Whether you are interested in engineering, computer science, communications, business, finance, or other disciplines, NASA offers opportunities across a wide range of career fields.
About NASA Internship Programs
NASA offers two primary internship pathways for students:
- Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Internships
- Pathways Internships
While both programs provide students with valuable work experience, they serve different purposes within NASA’s workforce development strategy.
OSTEM Internships
OSTEM internships are short-term, paid internship opportunities that allow students to contribute directly to NASA missions and projects.
Interns work on meaningful assignments while developing technical and professional skills under the guidance of NASA mentors.
The program helps students:
- Gain practical experience.
- Develop technical skills.
- Strengthen professional competencies.
- Build career readiness.
- Learn directly from NASA experts.
NASA offers three internship sessions each year:
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
OSTEM Internship Application Deadlines
Students interested in the 2027 internship sessions should note the following deadlines:
- Spring 2027: September 14, 2026
- Summer 2027: February 26, 2027
- Fall 2027: May 21, 2027
Applications close at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on each deadline.
Pathways Internships
The Pathways Internship Program serves as NASA’s long-term developmental employment pathway into federal civil service.
Unlike OSTEM internships, Pathways internships are designed for students seeking longer-term employment experience that may lead to future federal careers.
Participants receive structured professional development while working on projects aligned with NASA’s workforce needs.
OSTEM vs Pathways
OSTEM Internship
- Short-term project-based internship
- Paid experience
- Summer session lasts 10 weeks
- Spring and Fall sessions last 15 weeks
- Available to undergraduate and graduate students
- Accepts students from both STEM and non-STEM majors
Pathways Internship
- Long-term developmental employment
- Designed as a pathway toward federal employment
- Minimum duration of 12 weeks
- Requires completion of at least 480 work hours before graduation
- Focuses on majors aligned with NASA workforce needs
Eligibility Requirements
OSTEM Internship Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be at least 16 years old at the time of application.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Be enrolled full-time or part-time in a certificate or degree-granting program at an accredited U.S. technical school, college, or university.
- Undergraduate and graduate students are eligible.
- Recent graduates may apply for internships occurring within the three sessions immediately following graduation.
Pathways Internship Requirements
Applicants must:
- Be a U.S. citizen.
- Be at least 16 years old at the time of appointment.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.9.
- Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment at least half-time in an accredited educational institution.
- Have completed at least 15 semester hours (or 23 quarter hours).
- Complete at least 480 work hours before graduation.
- Be pursuing a degree aligned with NASA workforce needs.
Internship Benefits
NASA internship participants receive opportunities to:
- Work on real NASA missions.
- Collaborate with experienced scientists and engineers.
- Build technical and professional skills.
- Receive mentorship from NASA professionals.
- Strengthen their resumes.
- Develop career readiness.
- Gain valuable workplace experience in a world-leading scientific organization.
Career Areas
NASA internships are available across numerous disciplines, including:
- Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Physical Sciences
- Earth Science
- Space Science
- Mathematics
- Aeronautics
- Business
- Communications
- Human Resources
- Accounting
- Writing and Technical Communications
- Project Management
- Other STEM and non-STEM fields
Career Development
NASA views internships as part of its long-term workforce pipeline.
Students gain practical experience that prepares them for future careers while contributing to projects supporting NASA’s mission in:
- Space exploration
- Scientific research
- Aeronautics
- Technology development
- Earth observation
- Human spaceflight
Former interns have gone on to build successful careers both within NASA and across the broader science and technology community.
Why Apply for a NASA Internship?
A NASA internship provides students with the opportunity to:
- Gain paid professional experience.
- Learn from leading experts.
- Participate in cutting-edge research and innovation.
- Develop technical and leadership skills.
- Build professional networks.
- Enhance future career opportunities.
Final Thoughts
The NASA Internship Programs 2027 provide exceptional opportunities for eligible U.S. college students to gain hands-on experience working on meaningful projects that support NASA’s mission. Whether through the OSTEM Internship Program or the Pathways Internship Program, participants develop valuable technical skills, receive mentorship, and contribute to scientific and technological advancements while preparing for successful careers.
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